Q: I’m frustrated. It seems to me that Eric Decker gets no respect compared to Matt Willis. And the Denver Post keeps talking up Demaryius Thomas, who has yet to make a catch. What’s the deal?

A: Lee, you led the way with a few folks checking in this weekend about Decker, a rookie the Broncos selected in the third round of this past April’s draft.

Decker closed out the preseason with a flourish with 10 receptions for 114 yards against the Vikings’ reserves Thursday night. He projects to get most of his playing time in the slot — the inside receiver when the Broncos use three or four in the formation.

He’ll also likely get some plays here and there on the outside as well. He led the Broncos in catches in the preseason with 16, while Willis led the team in yards receiving (263) and yards per catch (20.2).

Both guys will get plenty of respect if they put up the numbers in the regular season. Thomas gets a lot of attention because he was the team’s No. 1 pick in the last draft, so generally as we cover the beat we have to tell folks why he is or isn’t playing.

And he hasn’t played much, because he’s had some difficulties with the left foot he also fractured in the weeks leading up to the draft. He had surgery to repair it.

He returned to practice early on in training camp but has appeared in just one full team workout since Aug. 7, when he reinjured the foot in the Broncos’ practice at Invesco Field at Mile High.

If the Broncos get too deep into the season and he still doesn’t have a catch, then there may be some legitimate concern about how his foot will hold up over the long haul.

Decker’s draft status was affected by his foot surgery during his senior season at Minnesota. The Broncos hope he can be a physical presence in the offense — he made plenty of tough catches in traffic for the Gophers.

He showed a nice feel in the middle of the field against the Vikings on Thursday night, moving himself into the open spaces in the coverages.

Those skills usually translate to a guy who can be productive quickly. It shows his understanding of the game and his willingness to keep working on a play to get the ball.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyreek Hill had touchdowns receiving and on a punt return, Kansas City’s defense made life miserable for Oakland quarterback Derek Carr, and the Chiefs beat the Raiders 21-13 on a frigid Thursday night to take control of the AFC West. Charcandrick West also had a touchdown run for the Chiefs (10-3). They moved into a first-place...